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A man is silhouetted as he leaves an EMI Record company building
in London. Music giant EMI said Monday it would offer songs by Coldplay, Madonna
and a host of other stars for download without copy protection as part of a deal
with Apple's iTunes website.[AFP]
Music giant EMI said Monday it would offer songs by Coldplay, Madonna and a
host of other stars for download without copy protection as part of a deal with
Apple's iTunes website.
EMI, the world's third largest music group, said it
will begin to sell music without anti-piracy software over the Internet from
May, but did not specify a launch date.
The company added that Apple Inc.'s website would be the first to sell the
new downloads, which will also have a superior sound quality and retail at 99
pence, 1.29 euros or 1.29 dollars per track.
The deal only covers EMI's existing digital catalogue, quashing speculation
The Beatles' recordings would become available to download legally for the first
But EMI said it was working towards putting The Beatles' back catalogue on
iTunes, which is touted by Apple, maker of the iPod MP3, as the world's most
popular digital music store.
EMI, whose artists also include Gorillaz, Lily Allen, Norah Jones and Robbie
Williams, said it would offer its entire digital repertoire at a much higher
sound quality than before -- and without the "digital rights management" (DRM)
software used to combat piracy.
The group will, however, continue to sell DRM-enabled songs on iTunes at the
current price of 79 pence, 0.99 euros and 99 cents per track.
DRM technology restricts how people can copy the music they legally buy from
online stores, including the transfer of songs from computers to MP3 players and
This has led to calls for the software to be scrapped, most notably from
Apple chief executive
"Selling digital music DRM-free is the right step forward for the music
industry," Jobs said at a press conference in London on Monday.
EMI added in a statement that the decision had been made in response to
consumer demand for high quality digital music that can be used across all music
Eric Nicoli, EMI chief executive, was quizzed about when The Beatles would be
added to iTunes.
"We are working on it, there's no timeframe yet," Nicoli told journalists,
adding: "Hopefully some time soon."
Earlier this year, Apple Inc. and The Beatles settled their long-running
trademark dispute over the use of "Apple" as a name and logo, raising hopes that
songs by the Fab Four might soon be available as legal downloads.
The Beatles publishing firm was also called Apple.
The catalogue of Beatles songs, including "Let it Be," "Hey Jude" and "Come
Together," is barred from legal Internet download sites at the band's
insistence, despite protests from the EMI music label, which owns their
Nicoli added that providing DRM-free downloads would help EMI to generate a
quarter of its revenues from the Internet by 2010.
"This deal will make our music more accessible and increase revenues," he
EMI has hit the headlines in recent months after rejecting a takeover from US
rival Warner Music Group and after posting two profit warnings since the start
EMI is battling against sliding sales of compact discs in the United States,
which also led to a boardroom shake-up.
Warner's bid, made early last month, had valued EMI at 2.08 billion pounds
(3.07 billion euros, 4.05 billion dollars).
In London trading on Monday, EMI's share price finished 0.33 percent higher
at 228.25 pence. The British capital's second-tier FTSE 250 shares index ended
up 0.60 percent at 11,759.90 points.


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Online casino game developers can use Net Entertainment’s new framework to provide a better gaming experience.
Online and mobile casino games provider Net Entertainment has launched a new product to help the virtual gambling industry grow. Extend API framework promises to “push the boundaries” of the online casino sector by allowing operators to offer a customized gambling experience to their clients.
The framework was created for developers, who can use it to improve customer game play. It would also allow them to offer various casino online bonuses, rewards, badges and social features meant to make the interaction between players more interesting.
New online slot game
Along with the Extend API framework, Net Entertainment has also announced it would be releasing a new online slot game, under the title “Wonky Wabbits”. The five-reel, 15-line video slot game promises to offer players a few interesting bonuses.
According to Simon Hammon, Net Entertainment’s chief product officer, “Wonky Wabbits combines cheekiness, rich graphics and huge win anticipation to create a truly brilliant innovative video slot.”
About two weeks ago, the company announced it would also be adding a new title to its branded games portfolio, by launching a video slot game based on the popular science-fiction horror “Aliens”.
“Net Entertainment Extend continues our mission to drive the online casino market through better games,” Hammon added.

domain: news


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Theta falls 20% after Mainnet 3.0 rollout date is shifted
Theta Labs, the firm behind the Theta Network has shifted the launch of its Mainnet 3.0 to June. According to the company, the development team wants to incorporate “some building blocks” for its NFT marketplace before the launch of its Mainnet 3.0.
This is coming amidst the recent high interest in NFTs, as entrepreneurs and celebrities are rushing to launch their unique tokens. This has attracted millions of dollars in the industry. Theta Labs wants to follow the new trend and interest in the NFT and build a strong Theta NFT marketplace in line with its proof-of-stake network.
Theta token falls by 20%
At the beginning of the week, the blockchain-powered network underwent a surge and hit an all-time high of $14.99. However, the token has dropped by 20% in the last 24 hours following the announcement that the Mainnet 3.0 will be delayed until June. Its trading volume in the last 24 hours has also decreased.
The Theta (THETA) developers stated that the extension of the launch is more of a calculated and prudent strategy to roll out a stronger platform than anticipated.
They said the additional time allocated to the project will be used for “more thorough code review and testing”.
The developers added that Theta Mainnet 3.0 will feature TFUEL staking and burning, as well as Elite Edge Nodes. Besides, the team is in the process of rolling out building blocks for a non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace on the Theta Mainnet marketplace.
The altcoin market is experiencing a slight decline
Theta is not alone in the market when it comes to altcoins that are retracing dramatically. Many altcoins are currently trading in the red. In the past 24 hours, Polkadot (DOT) has dropped 12.92% while Uniswap (UNI) has been down by 10.5%. Also, XRP has been down by 12% and Cardano (ADA) down by 3%.
It goes to show that the altcoin market is in a slight decline. But the volatility of the market means that the coins can pick up pretty fast and continue their upward movement. In the case of Theta, its decline is probably driven by the company’s decision to shift the Mainnet 2.0 launch to June.
The post Theta falls 20% after Mainnet 3.0 rollout date is shifted appeared first on Invezz.


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The forecast shows that digital ad spending across the six Southeast Asian markets of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam plus Hong Kong and Taiwan varies significantly.
In Singapore to date, ad spend on traditional media has been dominant but in 2017, digital will account for 23.8 per cent of media budgets climbing by 18 per cent to reach $376.5M. eMarketer predicts that investment on digital channels in Singapore will see strong growth in the coming years with mobile accounting for $404.6M, or 4 out of every 5 digital ad dollars by 2020.
Along with Singapore, advertisers in Taiwan and Hong Kong have also been embracing consumer digital adoption. In 2017 digital spend will account more than 20 per cent of overall media budgets in Hong Kong growing to 24 per cent by 2020. In the case of Taiwan more than two-fifths (40.4 per cent) of total ad spend in 2017 will be digital – the highest proportion of all the countries forecasted.
At the other end of the spectrum, advertisers in Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam have a lower digital share of total ad spend compared to the other countries forecasted. eMarketer expects that digital ad spending will account for less than 20 per cent of overall media investment in 2017 in these markets.
However, by 2020, digital ad spend in these markets is expected to account for up to 25 per cent of overall media spend. The growth trajectory is representative of government dedication to connectivity locally and globally.
Shelleen Shum, senior forecasting analyst at eMarketer commented: “Internet and smartphone penetration rates are still relatively low in developing parts of Southeast Asia – leading to a relatively lower digital share of total media spending.
As internet and mobile connectivity in Southeast Asia develops in the coming years, this presents a unique opportunity for advertisers to tap into a new market of fast urbanizing middle class consumers.”
Lisa Church, president at eMarketer commented: “eMarketer’s is delighted to partner with IAB Singapore to produce this digital ad spending forecast for Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This forecast is a great addition to eMarketer’s comprehensive coverage of the Asia-Pacific market and will benefit the thousands of eMarketer subscribers across the region rely on eMarketer data to plan their digital strategies.
Miranda Dimopoulos, CEO & ambassador to SEA, IAB Singapore commented: “Southeast Asia is beautifully diverse with digital providing the connectivity within markets and beyond. We can tangibly see that it is digital's time to shine even brighter, so experiences keep getting better, smarter and more meaningful. We intend to review these figures every six months and look forward to participating in the conversations that these reports will no doubt trigger.”
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The release date for the first authorized biography of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs has been pushed forward to October 24 following his death, publisher Simon & Schuster said Thursday.
The 656-page book by Walter Isaacson, entitled simply "Steve Jobs," had been scheduled for release on November 21, according to Simon & Schuster's publicity department, but the death of Jobson Wednesday at age 56 prompted a rethink.
Online pre-orders for the book were booming. Online retail giant Amazon featured the book with a special ad on its home page Thursday, and it held the top spot on the site's best-seller list.
According to US bookseller Barnes & Noble, the book is based on more than 40 interviews conducted with Jobs over a two-year period and interviews with over 100 "family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues."
"Although Jobs cooperated with this book, he asked for no control over what was written nor even the right to read it before it was published," Barnes & Noble said.
"He put nothing off limits and instead encouraged the people he knew to speak honestly, even foes, former girlfriends, and colleagues he had once fired or infuriated," it said.
Apple on Wednesday announced the death of Jobs, the technology visionary behind the Macintosh computer, the iPod, the iPhone and iPad. Jobs had battled pancreatic cancer for years.
Isaacson, chief executive of the Aspen Institute think-tank, has also penned biographies of Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein and Henry Kissinger.


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The trade war initiated by the Trump Administration escalated Wednesday April 4 with China adding tariffs on an additional 106 products worth up to $50 billion annually. The new tariffs mostly target basic agricultural products, including pork, soybeans, cotton, and wheat, but also include plastics, whiskey, tobacco, and vehicles. These new tariffs build on an … More American Retail Industry Fearful As Trade War Escalates
For foreign brands and firms catering to Chinese tourists or luxury shoppers, the potential of Beijing reducing the flow of outbound Chinese tourists or damaging domestic operations as retaliation has proved to be a substantial concern in the past few years. The volatile relationship between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping has … More Does Trump-Xi Relations Matter for Sino-American Trade and Tourism?
Payment-wise, it has never been a better time to be a Chinese tourist visiting the United States and Canada, at least according to UnionPay. Market penetration in the United States has now passed 80 percent among merchants, with withdrawals allowed at virtually any ATM across all 50 states. In Canada, UnionPay cards are now accepted … More UnionPay Reaches Full Market Penetration in the United States & Canada
The US Department of Defense (DoD) is arming itself with new AI and IoT technologies to power predictive maintenance of aircraft and boost mission effectiveness. Top Gun just got real. The US Air Force’s Defense Innovation Unit Experimental division – also known as DIUx – has selected C3 IoT, a Redwood City, California-based specialist in … More US Air Force goes Top Gun for IoT-based predictive maintenance
The next generation of wireless technology is fast-approaching as multiple countries around the world are racing for its development and subsequent wide-scale application. The quicker nation states and their companies are able to successfully establish the prospective technological infrastructure, the quicker they will be able to reap the massive economic assets and advantages. And as … More Could America Lose The 5G Race To China?
The US published a much-anticipated report on climate change Friday (Nov. 3), coauthored by 13 federal agencies, that unequivocally confirms three conclusions: We are living in the warmest period in modern civilization The excessive warming is due to human activity Without swift and dramatic action to curb emissions, average global temperatures could rise by a … More The White House National Climate Assessment conflicts with Trump’s climate change denial
Donald Trump is kicking off an Asia tour next week that includes a two-day state visit to China starting Nov. 8. At the top of the agenda for his meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping is, of course, North Korea and trade—two items that, in Trump’s mind, can be traded against each other. Read More
The coordinated effort is formally called Tech United for Independent Access to Healthcare, and it aims to provide freelancers and other gig workers with information on ACA enrollment. Read More
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U.S. energy and commodities firms will make up a major part of a business delegation visiting Beijing at the same time as U.S. President Donald Trump goes to China in November, according to an initial list seen by Reuters. Read More


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A lot of carmakers accept absitively to amend their logos in adjustment to angle out in this new agenda and electrified age of the automobile, with Volkswagen actuality aloof one contempo example.
Opel is yet addition German aggregation that’s attractive to accumulate its branding, actualization a new logo that appearance a brighter chicken blush and a new typeface. The blush is alleged Neon Opel Chicken while the chantry was dubbed Opel Next.
Starting in the aboriginal bisected of abutting year, barter and assemblage in Europe will be able to acquaintance all these new elements address of the new Opel Crossland and the all-new Mokka. These will be the actual aboriginal assembly cars to affection the redesign.
Related: Turns Out The 2021 Mokka Debuted Opel’s Redesigned ‘Blitz’ Logo
“We are confident, young-minded and inclusive. In this new era Opel is demography afflatus from progressive, ‘cold to cool’ Avant-garde German ability and re-emerges bold, authentic and contemporary. This is the announcement of our new cast character and actually represents our agitative new artefact line-up,” declared Opel business exec, Xavier Duchemin.
The amphitheater is slimmer than before, while the book is added avant-garde and clear. Meanwhile, the new Opel Chicken blush is meant to betoken electricity – which makes faculty accustomed the actuality that electric ability is demography over the car industry.
“A new era needs avant-garde brands and avant-garde brands charge a bright design. WIth the new cast elements, we are cogent our affirmation to be distinctive, progressive, accessible to the new and accessible to the future,” explains all-around business bang-up for Opel/Vauxhall, Patrick Fourniol.


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TheTourAttraction.com aims to provide the latest global travel and free travel news, travel and visa policies, and flight information. We hope to provide insights into tourism market, technology and development trends with everyone by providing the latest relevant information. Despite the raging COVID-19 epidemic in 2020, we always firmly believe that mankind will overcome the disease and the tourism market will definitely recover. TheTourAttraction.com look forward to your attention and support, and witness the development of the global tourism industry with us. Looking forward to the information TheTourAttraction.com provide can help you. We will continue to follow up and obtain the latest data, and look forward to your attention and support.
The following is the [Travel News]: Delta’s US-China flights signal recovery from [China Daily] recommended by TheTourAttraction.com:
For US-China flights operated by Delta, making middle seats available again for passengers will increase the total capacity of US-China flights operated by Delta by 19%.
Demand for global air travel is showing encouraging growth as COVID-19 vaccination rates rise and travel restrictions ease in different countries, boosting traveler confidence, industry experts said.
Delta Air Lines, a major Atlanta-based carrier, said its cash burn that averaged USD 11 million per day earlier started to turn positive in March with cash generation of USD 4 million daily.
Starting Saturday, Delta will add significant capacity with renewed seating allowed in its pandemic-era blocked middle seats, a practice that started last year to maintain social distancing.
For US-China flights operated by Delta, making middle seats available again for passengers will increase the total capacity of US-China flights operated by Delta by 19%, it said.
In the 61-day period spanning May and June, Delta will operate four US-China weekly flights. Two flights will originate in Seattle, travel via Seoul and terminate at Shanghai Pudong Airport. The other two flights will originate in Detroit and take the same route to Shanghai.
“Demand has generally been high on the US-China direction since we restarted services last June. There is pent-up demand being held back due to reduced capacity and border restrictions, and we are confident that travel will resume once travel policies begin to relax,” said Wong Hong, Delta Air Lines’ president in China.
“Currently, our customers are essential travelers, like students, families, and limited corporate customers who need to return home to China.”


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- 🚗 Tesla shares a video of a hands-free Full Self-Driving (FSD) demonstration in Austin, Texas.
- 📹 The video showcases the capabilities of Software Version 11.4.7, the current version of the FSD Beta program.
- 🧠 Tesla’s FSD suite uses neural networks to perceive and understand the world, learning from extensive anonymized data collected from its vehicles.
- 🚫 Although shown in the video, Tesla’s FSD suite does not currently support hands-free operation for customers.
- 📜 Tesla includes a disclaimer, emphasizing that the cabin camera monitoring was active in the demo, but the hands-on steering wheel requirement was disabled, and drivers must remain attentive and ready to take over.
- 📈 Tesla continues to refine its FSD software and demonstrate its potential, despite ongoing scrutiny and regulatory challenges.
- 🤖 Tesla’s FSD suite operates at Level 2 autonomy according to SAE’s Levels of Autonomy.
Tesla has shared a video of a hands-free drive demonstration of its Full Self-Driving suite in Austin. The FSD suite is not available to customers in a hands-free nature, but Tesla disabled the requirement for a new video it shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Tesla shared the video to demonstrate the capabilities of Software Version 11.4.7, which is the current version of the FSD Beta program.
The automaker describes in the Tweet in put up how the Full Self-Driving suite improves through data-driven techniques that refine the capabilities through analysis of other drivers’ behavior and normal navigation habits.
Tesla has used Neural Networks through the years to accumulate the data, which then is computed and helps refine the way FSD works, making it more accurate with every mile driven. Of course, software is far from perfect, and there are times that drivers notice steps back in the suite’s progress.
“Via our unique fleet learning approach, we are able to collect anonymized data from our vehicles—meaning the neural nets have learned from a few orders of magnitude more driving scenarios than the average human driver (including unusual & weird ones!),” Tesla wrote.
Additionally, it is interesting to see the company put out a video of a hands-free demo of the FSD suite, considering it does not support this capability with consumer vehicles.
Tesla put a disclaimer at the bottom of the video stating:
“This video shows current driving capabilities of FSD Beta, which began deploying around 8-23-2023 as software update version 11.4.7 or later. For demonstrative purposes, the cabin camera monitoring remained active but the hands-on steering wheel requirement was disabled (customers cannot disable this feature). All drivers must remain attentive and be ready to take over at any time.”
With stones consistently thrown in the direction of the Full Self-Driving program, Tesla’s new video shows the capabilities of a company vehicle, although what is displayed in the clip is not recommended or even available for drivers.
A report from Bloomberg earlier this year claimed that a 2016 video that “exaggerated” FSD’s abilities was overseen by CEO Elon Musk. The FSD suite is under constant scrutiny from government agencies, including the NHTSA, which has attempted to determine whether the suite has caused accidents involving emergency vehicles.
In late August, Tesla received a Special Order from the NHTSA, requesting more information on Full Self-Driving and software updates.
Tesla could be using the video as an opportunity to display the potential capabilities of FSD as it continues to refine the software. Earlier this year, Musk said he believes Tesla could solve FSD in 2023, but this is a goal he has also set for many years in the past.
Tesla has gotten closer with improvements, but the FSD suite still is operating at Level 2, according to the SAE’s Levels of Autonomy.


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Blimpie Inks Lease Deal with Wal-Mart
Atlanta-Blimpie International Inc., global franchisor of Blimpie Subs & Salads restaurants, announced that it has entered into a Master Lease Relationship Agreement with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. to own and operate Blimpie Xpress restaurants in Wal-Mart retail locations across the country. The announcement was made by Jeff Endervelt, president and CEO of Blimpie International Inc.
Blimpie Xpress restaurants feature a selection of subs, salads, wraps, items from the new Blimpie Carb-Counter Menu and snack items. In addition, these Blimpie Xpress locations will serve breakfast and additional dinner menu choices. -Madison Envoy


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Sam's Club recently announced that its stores are implementing new operating hours to address the need to restock, clean and sanitize the stores.
Starting Tuesday, March 17 Sam's Club locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sunday, the hours will remain 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"It's an unprecedented time for all of us and we know we have had out-of-stock items in our clubs," Chief Executive Officer Kath McLay said in a press release. "We continue to work around the clock to restock those items as we know it's so important to get you and your families the things you came in for."
According to the release, the stores may also limit the quantity of certain items club members can purchase.
The tire and battery center hours will move to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday until further notice. Members with existing appointments will still have those appointment times honored.
Pre-scheduled club pickup order will still be available for pickup starting at 7 a.m. Members can also use the "Scan & Go" feature in the Sam's Club app to add items to their carts and skip the checkout line, according to the release.
Club Pickup times, optical, pharmacy and fuel hours all remain the same.
Also on KCENTV.com


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This Ice Cream Is The Latest Hangover Cure In South Korea
Hangover after a late night out? Now, you have a new ‘icy’ cure.
As an Asian country with the biggest number of alcohol consumers, a South Korean convenience store chain, Withme FS, has come up with a new type of ice cream to soothe hangover after a late night out.
Known as the first ice cream produced specifically to fight against the after-effects from drinking alcohol, the Gyeondyo bar (translate: hang in there), is a grapefruit-flavored ice cream that contains 0.7 percent of oriental raisin tree fruit juice. The ingredient was traditionally used as a hangover remedy in the 17th century.
According to official statistics, drinking and hangover cures are big businesses in South Korea that generate an estimate of 150 billion won (US$126 million) yearly. Such cures include pills, beverages, and even cosmetics for women who have to maintain their skin. However, it excludes the popular ‘hangover soup’, which Korean drama fans see a lot in the dramas.
The most common hangover beverage is called Hut-gae Condition, produced by CJ Corp, and has been widely sold in Asia, including China, Japan, and Vietnam. K-pop fans may recall the drink, which was featured in the 2014 hit music video ‘Hangover’ by global K-pop singer Psy.
Can you spot the Hut-gae Condition in the video?
According to a report from World Health Organization, South Koreans consume alcohol the most in Asia Pacific, at about 12.3 litres per year. This leads to a high social cost of drinking, which was estimated at 9.45 trillion won in 2013, according to the National Health Insurance Policy Institute.
In a press release released by Withme FS, the name of the ice cream bar “expresses the hardships of employees who have to suffer a working day after heavy drinking, as well as to provide comfort to those who have to come to work early after frequent nights of drinking.”


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Date posted: September 13, 2013
Turkish and Chinese businessmen expressed that both sides are seeking to expand their trade ties at the Turkey-China Investment Forum on Thursday.
The forum, which was organized by the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON) in İstanbul, has attracted more than 130 businessmen from China, who are planning to improve business relations in Turkey, and 300 Turkish businessmen.
TUSKON chairman Rızanur Meral stated in his opening speech that the trade deficit between Turkey and China reached $68 billion over the last 10 years. Meral pointed out that approximately 18 percent of the foreign trade deficit stems from China’s companies and he recommended that China increase its efforts in the field of economic cooperation and investment.
Meral also stressed that by having this forum, TUSKON is encouraging more investors from China to start planting their business in Turkey in order to close the trade gap. TUSKON Chief Representative for China Kerami Göz told Today’s Zaman that the main agenda for organizing this forum is to match-make between both countries in order to strengthen the bilateral relationship.
“TUSKON has already brought approximately 130 companies from China for business-to-business (B2B) meetings,” he said. “We are providing opportunities for China’s companies to invest here and open a new gateway for us to do business with them so that we can balance the import-export trading between China and Turkey.”
One Chinese businessmen, Charles Cai, told Today’s Zaman that he believes the business relationship between both countries has a very bright future. “We are here to seek an opportunity to expand our trade with some Turkish companies in order to strengthen the relationship,” he said.
Another businessman at the event, Selahattin Çolak from Arsel Elektronik İthalat İhracat said, “This is a good event in order to advertise to people the good relations between the countries.”
The businesses present at the event were predominantly from the construction, food, textile, energy, tourism, mining and machine manufacturing sectors.
Source: Today's Zaman , September 12, 2013


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"There’s documents, there’s notes, there’s not just the phrase but there’s where they sat and they met and this is what happened." … [Read more...] about Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un struck up ‘fantasy film relationship’ exchanging 25 top secret ‘love letters’, book claims
Latest donald trump
More users in the United States downloaded chat app WeChat and its encrypted alternative Signal, after President Donald Trump threatened to ban WeChat, owned by Chinese company Tencent, according to Sensor Tower data shared with Reuters. WeChat users in the United States rushed to install the app before it could disappear from the app stores. Others, especially in China, sought alternatives like the encrypted Signal, owned by non-profit Signal Foundation. WeChat app downloads in the United States rose 41% in a six-day average from the week prior to the U.S. ban announced last Thursday, according to Sensor Tower. Signal app downloads in U.S. and China app stores separately jumped by 30% and 90%. "Not only are alternatives like WhatsApp and Telegram officially blocked in China, but Signal has an inherent advantage in that it's well known for being strongly encrypted," Stephanie Chan, Mobile Insights Strategist at Sensor Tower told Reuters. Signal did not immediately respond to … [Read more...] about US downloads of WeChat, Signal apps spike after Trump threatens ban: Report
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The president regularly lashes out at authors of books that paint him in an unflattering light and previously attacked Woodward over his first book on the administration. But Trump had complimented the Watergate journalist in January and indicated he had agreed to be interviewed for the new book. … [Read more...] about Trump dismisses forthcoming Woodward book as ‘fake’
"What we've seen in a way that is unique to modern political history is a President who is explicit in trying to discourage people from voting," Obama said. "What we've never seen before is a President say, 'I'm going to try to actively kneecap the postal service to encourage voting and I will be explicit about the reason I'm doing it.'" … [Read more...] about Obama: Trump is trying to ‘actively kneecap’ and ‘starve’ the postal service


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Adult Industry News
Thu, Jan 08 2015 10:45am PST
Production has wrapped on Chanel Preston’s directorial debut for James Deen Productions, simultaneously revealing the title of the film, “Chanel Movie One.”
Thu, Jan 08 2015 10:27am PST
Girlfriends Films Distribution has signed Japanese production studio, Jav1 Models to an exclusive distribution deal.
Thu, Jan 08 2015 09:55am PST
Southern California pleasure products company Shibari Wands is gearing up for the semi-annual ANME Founders Show, Jan. 12 and 13.
Thu, Jan 08 2015 09:41am PST
The Grafton Hotel on Hollywood’s famed Sunset Strip is now completely booked for the entire duration of the 2015 XBIZ 360 event series.The Grafton served as an alternative to the sold-out Andaz. where XBIZ 360 is slated to take place next week.
Thu, Jan 08 2015 09:00am PST
Helix Studios, Inc. has announced video licensing agreements with gay porn studios BoyCrush and Staxus.
Thu, Jan 08 2015 08:49am PST
European sensual lifestyle product manufacturer JOYDIVISION has announced Marcus West as senior vice president of sales and marketing for its U.S. team.
Thu, Jan 08 2015 08:48am PST
U.K.-based interactive software company Webstream has announced its upcoming debut at the XBIZ 360 Digital Media Conference in Hollywood.
Thu, Jan 08 2015 08:00am PST
ArchAngel Productions is set to release its first all-BJ title, "#My Face," featuring contract girl Remy LaCroix on Jan 9.
Thu, Jan 08 2015 06:00am PST
Gamma Entertainment's FameDollars affiliate program has anounced the launch of its new Girlsway Girl of the Month (GOTM).
Wed, Jan 07 2015 04:56pm PST
Exile Distribution announced today it has inked a deal with Standard Digital/Dynasty to distribute Kirdy Steven’s signature “Taboo” line (1-6), in addition to “Daisy Chain,” “Animal in Me” and “Playing with Fire.”


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Missouri dispensaries bring in over $25 million in November
Missouri’s growing medical marijuana market shows no signs of slowing down
Missouri medical marijuana dispensaries set another sales record in the month of November, bringing in over $100 million in revenue in the last 5 months alone. November marks the fifth consecutive month of +$20 million retail revenues and the seventh straight month of retail revenue growth.
November set a new sales record, climbing 7.36% over the prior month, bringing in $25.95 million in retail revenue. November sales boosted the program’s cumulative total to $186.17 million and the year-to-date total to just over $180.84 million.
Missouri will likely break the $200 million mark in both cumulative sales and 2021 annual sales in December.
In addition to retail growth, the program has seen an uptick over the last several months with the number of facilities approved to operate climbing quickly.
Missouri has approved the operation of 32 dispensaries, 15 manufacturing licenses, 7 cultivation licenses, and a testing facility – just since October 1.


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The South African Rugby Federation has embraced digitalisation as a key enabler of its strategic aspirations. It has worked with Accenture to transform fan engagement for Springbok supporters with the launch of a digital fan platform.
“Digital technology and social media have transformed how modern fans watch, support and engage with their favourite teams,” says SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux. “To maintain our relevance amid this new market dynamic, and grow our fan base, we’ve acknowledged the vital need to digitally transform our organisation.”
Wayne Hull, managing director for Accenture Digital in Africa, says: “SA Rugby’s ambition to pivot to a more fan-centric strategy requires digital design, content, platforms and insights because modern consumers, including loyal Springbok supporters, engage predominantly via mobile digital channels and expect hyper-personalised experiences.”
Accenture Digital’s development process started with quantitative and qualitative research, which informed the user experience (UX) design guidelines and content strategy for the digital fan engagement platform.
“To know what fans want, we needed to understand the fans themselves,” says Hull. “The Accenture Digital team mined the research data and identified multiple fan ‘personas’, which all have different content consumption, platform functionality and engagement preferences.”
The platform development team focused on three critical elements to meet these requirements – the customer experience (CX), the engagement engine and cloud-based deployment.
“To deliver a memorable and engaging CX, Accenture Digital leveraged leading digital experience software,” says Hull. “The result is a fully integrated and responsive platform that creates seamless, personalised digital fan experiences across SA Rugby’s content, commerce and digital marketing initiatives in a manner that makes fans feel recognised and connected to the players and the game.”
The new platform will serve as the first point of call for any rugby fan who wants to get their data fix with exclusive statistics, analytics and insights. The platform’s content style will include more visual elements – videos and images – with more concise articles that are easier to digest, in accordance with evolving content consumption preferences on mobile screens. This will complement long-form thought leadership and insight pieces.
In addition, fans will enjoy exclusive access to player-related content, such as behind-the-scenes footage and game and training performance stats. SA Rugby will also benefit from the ability to track comments and mentions via the Sitecore analytics platform Accenture Digital implemented, to respond and engage in the conversations Springbok fans are having on social media about the game, the teams or the players.
To do this, SA Rugby required a consolidated view of the customer. However, data resided in disparate sites across ticketing providers and SA Rugby’s e-commerce and online magazine databases. This information will be consolidated into the CRM system, with multiple integration points available to leverage this data.
The CRM system’s functionality will help to reveal insights such as fan communication preferences and their likes and dislikes, which will place hyper-relevance at the core of SA Rugby’s fan experience and engagement strategy.
The final element in the platform development was cloud deployment, which allows fans to access the platform from any device that has an internet connection. The platform is hosted within the Microsoft Azure environment, which is stable, secure and fully redundant. It gives SA Rugby the flexibility to manage the platform themselves, with the option to integrate or scale additional functionality down the line.
Based on the outcome, Hull believes that Accenture Digital has successfully reimagined, built and delivered a world-class, modern and mobile-friendly digital fan platform that creates a fun, immersive and engaging experience for fans.
“It’s a major step towards helping SA Rugby realise its ambition to become a fan-centric, forward-looking and nimble organisation, and we look forward to building and developing the platform further with the team as their digital fan engagement requirements evolve,” says Hull


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On October 20, 2010, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) announced that it had determined chopped celery was the source of a Listeria food poisoning outbreak among Texas residents. Texas DSHS had been investigating the source of 10 cases of listeriosis—the illness caused by the ingestion of Listeria baciteria, 5 of which resulted in death, for 8 months when investigators determined that the source of the outbreak was chopped celery sold by Sangar Fresh Cut Produce in San Antonio. Six of the 10 cases have been conclusively linked to consumption of the chopped celery.
According to a health department press release, all cases of Listeria food poisoning occurred in Bexar, Travis and Hidalgo counties. All of the reported cases were in people with serious underlying health problems.
Several segments of the population are at increased risk for contracting listeriosis. Individuals at increased risk include:
- Pregnant women: They are about 20 times more likely than other healthy adults to get listeriosis. About one-third of listeriosis cases happen during pregnancy.
- Newborns: Newborns rather than the pregnant women themselves suffer the serious effects of infection in pregnancy.
- Persons with weakened immune systems
- Persons with cancer, diabetes, or kidney disease
- Persons with AIDS: They are almost 300 times more likely to get listeriosis than people with normal immune systems.
- Persons who take glucocorticosteroid medications (such as cortisone)
- The elderly
Texas DSHS ordered the celery manufacturer, Sangar Fresh Cut Produce in San Antonio, to stop processing food and recall all products shipped from the plant since January 2010 after lab testing of chopped celery from the plant indicated the presence of Listeria. According to a press release issued by Texas DSHS, conditions in the food processing plant posed “an immediate and serious threat to human life or health.”
Sangar Fresh Cut Produce recalled products include primarily cut fresh produce in sealed packages, which were distributed to restaurants and institutional facilities such as hospitals and schools. The chopped celery and other products is not believed to have been sold in grocery stores.
Texas DSHS inspectors reported that they found sanitation issues at the plant during the Listeria outbreak investigation and believe the Listeria bacteria found in the chopped celery may have contaminated other food manufactured in the facility. The agency stated in a press release that a condensation leak had been found above the food product area during an inspection. Inspectors also found soil on a food preparation table and identified hand washing issues. All of these factors could have contributed to the spread of Listeria throughout the food manufacturing plant where celery was chopped and packaged.
Texas DSHS food safety personnel are continuing their investigation into the possible points within the facility where the celery became contaminated with Listeria and is contacting distributors, restaurants and institutions believed to have received the recalled products to ensure the celery and other products sold by Sangar Fresh Cut Produce does not reach consumers.
The order issued by Texas DSHS prohibits the plant from reopening without DSHS approval.
The incubation period (time between ingestion and the onset of symptoms) for Listeria ranges from three to 70 days and averages 21 days.
A person with listeriosis may develop fever, muscle aches, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions can occur. In immune-deficient individuals, Listeria can invade the central nervous system, causing meningitis and/or encephalitis (brain infection). Infected pregnant women ordinarily experience only a mild, flu-like illness; however, infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth.
Newborns may present clinically with early-onset (less than 7 days) or late-onset forms of infection (7 or more days). Those with the early-onset form are often diagnosed in the first 24 hours of life with sepsis (infection in the blood). Early-onset listeriosis is most often acquired from the mother through transplacental transmission. Late-onset neonatal listeriosis is less common than the early-onset form. Clinical symptoms may be subtle and include irritability, fever and poor feeding. The mode of acquisition of late-onset listeriosis is poorly understood.


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Nvidia showed off their brand new console called Shield at CES. President and CEO of NvidiaJen-Hsun Huang proudly presented it. It can run Unreal Engine 4.. in real time. Check out the real time video below…
2012 was a big year for gaming technology. While there haven’t been a ton of technological advancements completed, quite a few have now been publicly shown or advanced considerably. We take a look at our favorite gaming technologies shown off in 2012.
1Oculus Rift Prototype(from Oculus VR)
Why? Oculus VR & Palmer Luckey showed us the first enjoyable and emersive virtual reality experience this year. Low … [ Read More... ]


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(Reuters) – Warren Buffett said Monday that his Berkshire Hathaway Inc. paid off in the merger in 2015, which created Kraft Heinz Co., but he had no plans to escape from the struggling packaged food business.
Mr. Buffett spoke four days after Kraft Heinz said it had taken down a $ 15.4 billion write-down for his Kraft and Oscar Mayer brands and other assets, lowered the dividend, and that the US Securities and Exchange Commission investigated its accounts.
The Force Heinz share price fell 27.5% on Friday, which was due to Berkshire losing $ 4.3 billion on its stake. Berkshire owns 26.7% of Kraft Heinz. The shares rose 0.7% to $ 35.21 in early trading on Monday.
"I was wrong in a couple of ways at Kraft Heinz," Buffett said on CNBC television. "We overpaid for Kraft."
The comments were a rare erroneous recognition of the 88-year-old billionaire on a major investment in his congress in Omaha, Nebraska.
Berkshire and the Brazilian 3G Capital had gathered in 201
Mr. Buffett also said he had "no intention whatsoever" to add or subtract from Berkshire's efforts and to continue doing business with 3G and its co-founder Jorge Paulo Lemann, calling him "an absolutely outstanding human being".  "Toe to toe"
Kraft Heinz's information raised questions about 3G's financial strategy for the company, whose brands include Jell-O, Kool-Aid and Philadelphia cream cheese, and if not clear consumers looking for healthier, fresher alternatives to processed foods.
Mr. Buffett acknowledged the changes, but the increased pressure comes from dealers like Amazon.com Inc., Walmart Inc. and Costco Wholesale Corp., including the latter Kirkland brand.
Stronger brands can "go toe to toe with Walmart or Costco," but weaker brands "tend to lose," Buffett says. "Capacity has changed, and it's huge."
Berkshire's own $ 3 billion write-down related to Kraft Heinz contributed a net loss of $ 25.39 billion for the fourth quarter for Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire.
"He monetically overpaid for Power," said Doug Kass, founder of the hedge fund Seabreeze Partners Management Inc. "He increasingly saw in his investments in his investments."
Mr. Buffett said he learned about the SEC probe about seven to ten days before being announced.
Greg Abel, a vice president of Berkshire, was widely regarded as a candidate to succeed Mr Buffett as Berkshire's chief executive, sitting on Kraft Heinz's board. 19659002] 3G Strategy
The announcement also challenged 3G's signature-based budgeting model, which requires managers to limit their expenditure annually from the outset and not use last year as a guide or pursue cost savings on an ongoing basis.
Kraft Heinz belt tension resulted in more than $ 1.7 billion in annual savings, including the loss of thousands of jobs, reflecting 3G's similar efforts at such companies as Anheuser-Busch InBev and Tim Hortons. 19659002] While the strategy has resulted in narrower companies, it can be a recurrence if companies lack products that people want or have failed to spend enough to develop and market these products.
Mr. Buffett said he did not believe 3G under-invested in Kraft Heinz. Berkshire is not involved in the daily business.


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China has reopened its borders to international visitors for the first time since it imposed travel restrictions in March 2020.
Incoming travellers will no longer need to quarantine – marking a significant change in the country’s Covid policy as it battles a surge in cases.
They will still require proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of travelling.
The move has been welcomed by many eager to reunite with family.
In Hong Kong, 400,000 people are expected to travel into mainland China in the coming weeks with long queues for flights into cities including Beijing and Xiamen.


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John Grose Group has officially opened the doors to its new Peugeot, Citroën and DS Automobiles dealership in Ipswich – bringing PSA Group under one roof the first time in the town.
The new site, on the Ransomes Europark, close to the A14, previously played host to the Group’s Citroen dealership, but the brands were brought together following the relocation of the nearby Peugeot franchise and the addition of DS.
The new showroom will shortly welcome the flagship New Citroën C5 Aircross SUV, which is due to arrive soon. New Citroën Berlingo is already on display, and customers can experience the full Citroën car and van line-up at the new premises.
Richard Howard, managing director of John Grose Group, said: “The new Peugeot, Citroën and DS Automobiles site at Ransomes Europark offers a major improvement in facilities for our customers, who will be able to browse the expanding range of new and used models from all three brands on the same site.
“It represents a significant investment for the John Grose Group, which will help to establish DS in the east of England and provide our Peugeot and Citroën Ipswich customers with excellent new showroom facilities.”
A spokesman for PSA Group said: “The new DS Salon Ipswich represents the latest addition to the DS Automobiles network of DS Salons and DS Stores in the UK and is a significant addition to the network in the east of England, as the DS network expands with new outlets across the UK.”
Prospective customers visiting the new DS Salon in Ipswich will be able to see and experience the DS model range and all its services under the ‘ONLY YOU, the DS Experience’.
DS 7 CROSSBACK is the first of the new second-generation DS models launched earlier this year, and will soon be joined by the next new B-segment DS vehicle, which will also be available with a 100% electric version.


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Mortgage rates are a hair lower, under 6.75 percent now, but spreads to Treasurys have widened despite overt Treasury backing of Fannie and Freddie. There is a three-track story unfolding today: the U.S. economy, the ex-U.S. global economy, and The Crunch. To maintain clarity and composure, keep 'em separate! The domestic economy is weakening. New claims for unemployment insurance spiked last week to 448,000, and all hands expected some pullback. Instead, 455,000 this week -- the worst in six years. The collapse in auto sales to the annual range of 12 million (from the 15.5 million forecast) has been a recent, June-July event. However, modern "just-in-time" delivery of components means instantaneous negative feedback all the way back through the supply chain to labor and raw materials. Credit-default measures and bond prices indicate imminent bankruptcy by all of the used-to-be Big Three. Housing shows no bottom, and without one soon and tentative recovery, credi...
by Gill South | Aug 16
by Teke Wiggin | Aug 16
by Amber Taufen | Today 8:25 A.M.
by Caroline Feeney | Aug 15
by Brandon Doyle | Aug 17


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By Terry Trucco
The new High Line Hotel occupies a Victorian brick building with a parade of 19th-century-style gas lamps planted out front. Classic black phones with rotary dials perch on the nightstands. And on each desk, a gilded iron embosser sits at the ready should the urge strike to take pen (make that fountain pen) to paper and write a letter the time-honored way.
But check-in is pure 21st century.
The brick-walled lobby is outfitted with slouchy leather sofas and club chairs but no check-in desk. Instead, guests are met by a staff member wielding an iPad, “like the Apple Store,” says Osama Aduib, High Line General Manager. And a smattering of other hotels, like select members of Hyatt and its Andaz group.
But very soon, the High Line iPads will process credit cards and create keycards – ultra-secure RFI models – on the spot. It’s not even necessary to visit the lobby, Aduib says.
“If you’re running behind schedule and need to get to a meeting, I’ll have someone meet you at the cab in front of the hotel, check you in, swipe your credit card and hand you a key while the bellman gets your bags,” he says. “When you come back in three hours, you can go straight to your room. Your bags will be there. You’re set.” (more…)


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PHOENIX — How do you thank the doctors, nurses, police officers and firefighters who not only work to keep us all safe every day, but especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A local wine bar in downtown Phoenix is pouring its efforts into what it knows best -- that's right, wine.
Emily Rieve and Lindsey Schoenemann both left their teaching jobs to open GenuWine, a self-serve wine bar located on beneath the Union @ Roosevelt apartments near First Avenue and Roosevelt Street. It opened in 2018.
Recently, they launched the "Bottles for the Brave" campaign where customers can purchase a bottle of wine or make a donation towards the purchase of a bottle of wine which will then be donated to nurses, doctors, and first responders.
The wine also come with snacks, including cheese and crackers.
So far, they have donated more than 50 bottles of wine, the owners said in an email. They've been able to donate wine to employees of Banner University Medical Center, St. Joeseph's Hospital, Phoenix Children's hospital, Dignity Health, Abrazo, Honor Health, Phoenix Indian Medical Center, Chandler Fire Department and Tempe Fire Department.
In an email, the owners said they came up with the idea after a family member who lived in the Midwest called to purchase bottles of wine that they intended to give away. "We came up with this campaign to give people a platform to help donate wine to healthcare workers and first responders," the owners wrote.
Those interested in donating can call the store or email their orders to firstname.lastname@example.org.
For those who simply need to stock up on some wine, they have bottles ranging from $11-$40. They keep a list of their current selections on their website, https://genuwinearizona.com.
IF YOU GO:
888 N 1st Ave, Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85003
We're Open, Arizona: We know this is a tough time for a lot of people in our community, including local restaurants and businesses. As local spots continue to serve takeout, look for ways to safely do business, and give back to our community, we want to share their stories. Visit abc15.com/open or email us at email@example.com.


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Hungary’s parliament on Tuesday passed a law that establishes a state monopoly for the retail sale of tobacco products from July 1, 2013, according to a realdeal.hu story. The bill, submitted by the ruling Fidesz party in December, will require shop owners to acquire a concession from the state to sell tobacco products.
And it will limit the number of tobacco retail outlets to what is expected to be 7,000.
Bids for the concessions will be called by November 15 and the results announced within two months.
The state will be able to fine retailers that sell tobacco products without having a concession up to half a billion forints.
The final vote on the bill, which saw 244 deputies in favour of the proposal, 36 against and 26 abstentions, took place after the European Commission had raised no objections to the legislation.
Category: Breaking News


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Netflix joins Facebook for film ratings
NEW YORK - Netflix Inc. said it has linked with the social-networking website Facebook, allowing subscribers of the largest US mail-order movie service to share their film ratings with Facebook friends.
Ratings of one to five stars will show on a user's Facebook profile if a Netflix member has enabled the Facebook Connect function, Netflix said in a statement. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Netflix, which reached 10 million subscribers in February, is seeking ways to help users rent more movies. The Los Gatos, Calif., company started a competition in 2006 that will award developers $1 million for a more accurate film-recommendation system. Facebook said it has more than 175 million members who have used the site within the past 30 days.
"Movies make for great conversations," Gibson Biddle, Netflix's vice president of product management, said in the statement. More than 6,000 other services use Facebook Connect, including the TechCrunch blog, review and ratings site Citysearch, and video site Joost, according to Facebook's site.
Closely held Facebook, based in Palo Alto, Calif., allows members to create profiles, become online "friends" with other users, and share content such as photos and videos.
Netflix gained $1.75, or 4.2 percent, to $43.40 in Nasdaq Stock Market trading.


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Tennessee joins trend of states passing anti-LGBTQ+ adoption laws
Tennessee is expected to soon become the latest state to allow faith-based adoption and foster care agencies to discriminate against LGBTQ+ families while still receiving taxpayer funding.
United Methodist Church on verge of split over same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ clergy
The United Methodist Church has announced a proposal that would allow for congregations that don’t support same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ clergy to break off and form their own denomination.
Orlando Pride soccer star Ali Krieger and goalie Ashlyn Harris are married
Orlando Pride soccer players Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris have officially tied the knot. The celebrity couple married at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019.
Zola unsure it will run ads on Hallmark Channel following same-sex wedding commercial controversy
The company whose same-sex wedding commercials were abruptly pulled from the Hallmark Channel for being “too controversial” is not sure it will advertise with the network again despite an apology and promise to reinstate the ads.
National groups blast GOP federal LGBTQ rights bill as permitting ‘licenses to discriminate’ by wedding vendors, religious groups
The recently introduced federal “Fairness for All Act” bill is “anything but fair” to LGBTQ+ people.
The Knot, Pinterest and Zola will stop promoting plantation weddings
The Knot, Zola and Pinterest are changing their policies to stop promoting content that includes former plantations as wedding venues.
TikTok is limiting the reach of LGBTQ+, disabled and fat people’s videos
The social media app TikTok has been limiting the reach of certain users to allegedly combat bullying, including LGBTQ+ people’s videos.
Chick-fil-A won’t change anti-LGBTQ+ ways despite recent promises
The fast food chain Chick-fil-A recently promised to stop donating to anti-LGBTQ+ organizations, but the CEO says they aren’t changing their ways.
What we love about the Renault Clio car ad celebrating a 30-year lesbian romance
To celebrate the Clio’s upcoming 30th anniversary, Renault released a commercial on YouTube that captures in just over two minutes the love story of a red-haired English girl named Gemma and a brunette French girl.
Ellen DeGeneres surprised lesbian couple whose family won’t attend wedding
Ellen DeGeneres surprised Kate Austin and Sarah Sulsenti on her show after their tweet inviting her to their wedding went viral.
Chick-fil-A will stop donating to (some) anti-LGBTQ+ organizations
Fast food chain Chick-fil-A announced it will no longer donate to two anti-LGBTQ+ organizations, as it has been criticized for doing.
American Psychological Association says singular ‘they’ now the standard for scholarly writing
So-called ‘proper grammar’ can no longer be used to justify transphobia.
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The hospitality innovator to step down as CEO after 20 years to start new venture
BANGKOK, Sept. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Deepak Ohri, visionary hospitality executive, announced his departure as CEO of lebua Hotels and Resorts, the brand he founded and established as a luxury leader in Southeast Asia. During his time as CEO, Ohri dedicated his career–and succeeded–in making lebua a renowned name in global luxury hospitality. He will stay on as CEO through the end of the year.
“We want to thank Deepak for his dedication and contributions to lebua,” said Narawadee Bualert, president of lebua. “During his tenure, lebua became a leader in luxury hospitality thanks to his grit and natural instincts. Deepak put our company on the map and earned praise the world over from guests and industry observers alike. We look forward to continuing his legacy and wish Deepak the best in his future endeavors.”
While CEO of lebua—credited as the first native-born luxury hospitality brand in Southeast Asia— Ohri set new industry standards and created the first “vertical destination.” Made known worldwide for its luxurious food-and-beverage concepts and unparalleled service, Ohri continued to break barriers with the opening of the world’s highest luxury rooftop restaurant, Sirocco, at lebua Bangkok, and consequently opened two additional flagships restaurants, both of which were awarded two Michelin stars each.
Under Ohri’s leadership, lebua, now with five properties across India, Thailand and New Zealand, was named the World’s Leading All-Suite Hotel by World Travel Award and continues to be rated among the top 1 percent of companies globally for customer satisfaction.
Ohri is already planning his next move—a luxury “hybrid” hospitality brand that will launch in the United States. “It has been an honor to serve as lebua’s founder and CEO for the past 20 years,” said Ohri. “I am proud of what we have accomplished and could not have done it without the support of the entire team. I am excited for this next chapter.”
Since creating lebua in 2003, Ohri has also become a leader in management and luxury hospitality whose insights are in demand globally. Ohri was named one of International Hospitality Institute’s Global Top Most Inspirational Executives in Travel and Hospitality as well as one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Global Hospitality. He has also lectured at leading educational institutions including Columbia University, NYU Stern Business School, and Harvard Business School. In addition, Ohri serves as Executive in Residence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Chairman of the Executive Board at the Pino Global Entrepreneurship Center as well as a Board Member for CIBER (Center for International Business and Education) at the College of Business at Florida International University.
About Deepak Ohri
Deepak Ohri is a visionary, change maker, entrepreneur and thought leader. Ohri created lebua Hotels and Resorts, credited as the first native-born luxury hospitality brand in Southeast Asia, with five properties across India, Thailand and New Zealand. Ohri’s unique outlook on hospitality, focusing on emotional connections for guests, is now an industry-wide trend. Ohri elevated luxury hospitality and kicked off Bangkok’s rooftop dining craze with lebua’s collection of upscale restaurants, The Dome at lebua. Under his leadership, lebua earned the World’s Leading All-Suite Hotel by World Travel Award and continues to be rated among the top 1 percent of companies globally for customer satisfaction. In addition, International Hospitality Institute selected Ohri as one of the Global Top Most Inspirational Executives in Travel and Hospitality and one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Global Hospitality.
Ohri is the author of A Bridge Not Too Far – Where Creativity Meets Innovation, which charts Ohri’s rise from the humble-yet-educational streets of New Delhi to the heights of the global luxury business. Ohri’s acumen and insights are sought after worldwide and he is recognized as an award-winning entrepreneur, a celebrated speaker, and honored by numerous international organizations for his visionary leadership.
Deepak Ohri is the founder and president of Luxury Atelier Maison Happiness (LAMH), a US-based company specializing in luxury experiences, education, consulting, and branding.
Lebua, a Bangkok-based hospitality group, takes a unique approach to the service sector which taps into a deeper level of exchange with guests by creating emotional connections. Lebua’s award-winning lodging collection includes Tower Club at lebua and lebua at State Tower in Bangkok, two magnificent properties in India (lebua Lucknow and lebua Corbett), and an exclusive property in New Zealand (Lake Okareka Lodge by lebua).
The Dome at lebua is an impressive collection of iconic restaurants atop lebua’s Bangkok property, with vistas that are breathtaking and a caliber of mixology and cuisine that attracts epicures from around the world: Sirocco, Breeze, two-Michelin-star Mezzaluna, Sky Bar, Flute, Alfresco 64, lebua No. 3, Pink, and Chef’s Table.


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New research points the finger at excess corporate profits as a core driver of inflation and says there’s scant evidence of a wage-price spiral in the Australian economy.
Numbers crunched by the Australia Institute’s Centre for Future Work reveal businesses have bolstered prices well above elevated expenses for labour, materials and other inputs and contributed much more to inflation than wages.
The inflation rate hit 7.8 per cent in the December quarter, with surging inflation prompting nine interest rate rises from the Reserve Bank to take demand out of the economy.
But the analysis from the think tank’s Jim Stanford found inflation would still be within the RBA’s target band of two-three per cent if Australian firms weren’t making excess profits for goods and services.
“Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that without excess price hikes through the pandemic, inflation would likely be within the RBA target band, and hence there would be no need for the nine extreme, back-to-back interest rate rises that are crushing households and mortgage holders, fuelling the cost-of-living crisis,” Dr Stanford said.
“The pain experienced by workers through current inflation contrasts sharply with unprecedented increases in business profitability at the same time.”
The analysis comes as major Australian airlines, supermarkets, banks, gas and petrol companies post strong half-yearly profits.
The fresh research found the excess expansion of profits per unit of production accounts for around 70 per cent of the acceleration in inflation beyond the RBA’s target range.
Growth in wages bills above normal levels has accounted for only 18 per cent of the acceleration in inflation.
During the pandemic recovery, mining and petroleum profits have led the surge in profits due to the war in Ukraine, but the research shows all corporates – including small businesses – enjoyed strong profit growth between March 2021 and June 2022.
Dr Stanford said the findings contradict the narrative of a dangerous wage-price spiral fuelling inflation.
Official wage data showed wages growing by 3.3 per cent in the December quarter, amounting to a 4.5 per cent gap between inflation and wage growth.
“We’ve been told a story that workers need to restrict wage growth and accept a permanent reduction in living standards in order to fix inflation,” Dr Stanford said.
“This evidence shows that’s an economic fairytale,” he said.
RBA governor Philip Lowe has warned about the unlikely but disastrous consequences of a wage-price spiral but has also been monitoring corporate price setting.
In his statement accompanying the February interest rate decision, he noted the importance of avoiding a “prices-wages spiral” and said the RBA board would pay close attention to both labour costs and the price-setting behaviour of firms.
The post Corporate profits fuelling inflation, research finds appeared first on The New Daily.


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Spore’s Lucy Bradshaw talks about why the game’s developers embraced an old programming technique.
Stereoscopic glasses inspired by video games help surgeons operate on beating hearts.
A startup claims to read people’s minds while they view ads.
Electronic Arts’s new sports game will have a novel level of realism: live weather that affects play.
Technology Review looks at the inner workings of the Nintendo Wii game console.
Haptics researchers in Japan bring fluidity to virtual-touch technology.


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Plans to build a drive-through Starbucks coffee shop have sparked a protest from angry residents.
An application to erect the single storey building on the junction of Deiniol and Sackville roads in Bangor was initially put forward to Gwynedd council in December 2015.
The plans were withdrawn the following month in the face of public opposition, with fears the development put black poplar trees on the site under threat.
Concerns were also raised that the site chosen by the American chain was “too dangerous”, with people also arguing that it would put a strain on local businesses.
A protest against the re-submitted plans will be held on the proposed site on Tuesday, with the organiser, local councillor Steve Collings, claiming the new plans are “even worse than before”.
Cllr Collings said: “No attempt has been made to protect the trees despite them being under a protection order.
“Instead, there is the suggestion that they’ll be replaced with other mature trees, which defies the point really.
“Either way, there has to be a very good reason to destroy one of the few remaining green spaces on the valley floor, especially one that contains protected trees.”
Cllr Collings also fears that, if the plans are passed, local shops could go out of business in a city which already has a Cafe Nero and Costa on its high street.
He added: “Allowing a multinational to build a coffee shop which will compete with existing local and family-run businesses does not qualify as a good reason in my opinion.
“We have to protect the sustainability of the city’s living ecological balance and its local independent businesses as these are two of the backbones of the city.
“If the application is rejected, there is a high chance they will go to appeal, as planning law in Wales gives central government the ability to over-ride local planning decisions whenever they see fit.
“A large number of the most inappropriate and unpopular developments in Bangor were granted planning this way, against the local authority’s wishes.
“This needs to change and full control of planning – including appeals – must be devolved to local authorities who are democratically accountable to the people who live in these communities.”
Hywel Williams MP also argues that a Starbucks would bring “little benefit” to the city.
He has expressed his concern that developing on the already “chaotic” junction also poses a risk to people’s safety.
“The proposed location itself is reason enough to stop the plans,” he said.
“The roundabout at Sackville Road and Deiniol Road is chaotic as it is, another entrance and exit would surely make things worse. Bangor is not a drive-through city.”
Mr Williams further argues the location would be better used as a a site for people to enjoy.
A Starbucks spokesperson said: “We are respectful of every local community that we serve and we’re working closely with the local planning authorities on this site.”


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Supercell generated $892 million in revenue last year thanks to the success of its Clash of Clans and Hay Day games.
As reported by Reuters, the firm’s revenues grew from nearly nine times the $101m it was making in 2012.
By the end of the year, the studio was generating $2m a day from its two titles. Its latest game, Boom Beach, is set to be fully released in March.
Earnings before interest, taxes, deprecation and amortizaion also grew considerably, from $51m in 2012 to $464m last year. In 2011, the company was making a loss.
Supercell CEO Ilkka Paananen was said to have denied recent reports that the company was now earning in excess of $5.15m a day after a hacker is said to have posted the information online.
The latest figures appear to show the studio’s astronomic growth shows no sign of stopping following the sale of 51 per cent of the developer to GunHo parent company Softbank for $1.5bn last year, valuing the firm at $3bn.


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Apple has today released its numbers regarding total number of devices running iOS 12. As of October 2018, 60% of total devices were running iOS 12 and 63% of devices introduced in the last four years were running iOS 12.
The post iOS 12 now installed on 70% of all devices, up 10 percent from October appeared first on 9to5Mac.
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SAN FRANCISCO — Here’s a new twist on fantasy sports: a San Francisco startup is offering a chance to bet on the moneymaking potential of star athletes.
The unusual investment opportunity kicked off Thursday with an IPO filing proposing to sell stock for a stake in the future income of the Houston Texans’ Arian Foster, a top NFL running back.
The initial public offering hinges on a deal requiring Fantex Holdings Inc. to pay Foster $10 million in return for a 20 percent share of his remaining contract with the Texans, endorsement income and other future money tied to football.
Fantex plans to sell about 1 million shares at $10 apiece to pay Foster and cover expenses. The stock will be bought and sold on a platform set up by Fantex.


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The United States Postal Service (USPS) yesterday requested an overall average postage rate increase of almost 2 percent, with higher averages in some categories to address “underwater products,” including a 10-percent hike for First Class and Standard parcels.
The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) has 45 days to respond to the request that, if approved, would take effect April 26.
In a news release announcing the new rates, USPS said the move is the latest in the series of steps it has taken as “part of a comprehensive approach to achieve financial stability.” The 1.966 percent rate hike would use the USPS’ full authority accumulated under the Consumer Price Index (CPI) cap. USPS estimates the increase would generate an additional $900 million and improve the FY 2015 financial outlook by $400 million.
“By growing volume, revenue and contribution, the Postal Service will continue to meet America’s mailing and shipping needs into the future. While improving efficiency in streamlining its network and seeking legislative changes, the Postal Service must address an outdated business model.”
USPS said it’s proposing above average increases for “underwater” products, including Standard Mail Flats and Periodicals. In its 2012 Annual Compliance Report, USPS proposed a three-year schedule of above-average CPI increases for Flats. Overall, the average increase in first class postage would be 1.949 percent while Standard mail would see a 1.886 percent average increase and periodicals a 1.965 percent hike.
Within First Class, the average increases would be:
- Parcels, 10.18 percent
- FCM International, 2.762 percent
- Business Reply Mail, 2.6 percent
- Flats, 2.438 percent
- Presort Letters/Postcards, 2.417 percent
- Periodicals Mailing Applications, 1.6 percent
- Single-piece Letters/Postcards, 0.623 percent
Within Standard, the average increases would be:
- Parcels, 9.794 percent
- Every Door Direct Mail – Retail, 4.761 percent
- Flats, 2.466 percent
- High Density / Saturation Letters, 2.027 percent
- Letters, 1.835 percent
- High Density / Saturation Flats and Parcels, 1.557 percent
- Carrier, 1.415 percent
USPS last increased postal rates a year ago, with an average 1.7 percent hike based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) but also another temporary increase of 4.3 percent to make up for losses during the Great Recession. The so-called exigent surcharge is expected to run through this fiscal year, which ends in September, until it makes up $3.2 billion. USPS will provide bi-weekly updates in the final quarter of the surcharge, according to a court order issued on Monday.
The Direct Marketing Association immediately came out against the proposal. “Today’s announcement is yet another attempt by the U.S. Postal Service to squeeze the direct-mail industry,” said Peggy Hudson, DMA’s senior vice president of government affairs. “For the Postal Service to request this mid-year price increase, after companies have set their annual budgets, is short-sighted and irresponsible,” she said, encouraging the PRC to “remain vigilant” and deny the requested increase.
The Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers noted other key elements of the proposal:
Special Services simplification to reduce redundancy and improve customer ease and use;
Introduction of separate Flats Sequencing System (FSS) pricing structure for Standard Mail and Periodicals.
Introduction of Carrier Route bundle and container pricing for non-FSS flats for Standard Mail and Periodicals;
Include four promotions (Earned Value Reply Mail, Color Transpromo, Emerging Technologies, Mail Drives Mobiles).
See the complete proposal at www.prc.gov/Docs/91/91164/Notice.pdf


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Why Ford is a Great Investment
Written by Michele ‘Mish’ Schneider
The Biden administration declared an intermediate target in August 2021 that 50% of all new automobiles would be electrified by 2030.
This transition to lithium-ion battery power will potentially guard against climate change and counter China’s aggressive push into the global EV automobile market.
Electric car efforts are being developed by Google, Amazon, and Sony, to mention only a few.
EVs have reached a tipping point globally and in the United States. For more in-depth past prior coverage, please visit my mid-week July CMC Markets column here.
Ford is moving forward toward EVs and fast. Ford is undergoing a major brand makeover to convert its classic iconic models while also guiding the American public to understand the economic value of switching to electric and hybrid vehicles.
The American automaker has been making EV models such as the Mustang Mach—e, which sold 25,000 vehicles within two years. In August, Mach-e sales reached 3,120, 115% more than August 2021 and clearly trending in the right direction.
Recently, Ford released their newest truck model – the F150 Lightning EV. The truck’s battery lasts up to 120 miles on one charge, is fully capable of off-roading, and is comparable in towing capacities. The hybrid version, the F-150 PowerBoost hybrid, is also versatile.
It is hard to overlook how many new partnerships between Ford and battery developers have had on their urgency in producing more electric vehicles. This includes recent deals with SK Innovation, CATL Ltd., and others.
To highlight one of its “megadeals,” in September 2021, Ford inked an $11.4 billion contract for “mega-sites” to produce electric vehicles and batteries in Tennessee and Kentucky and to add 11,000 jobs in the process.
On the other side of the world, the sales of electric vehicles are growing exponentially in China, with all segments of the Chinese car market by vehicle size, from the smallest to the most expensive, adopting EVs. China’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is the biggest in the world and is predicted to remain the biggest.
Yet, Ford has a track record of success that dates back more than a century. Ford’s market cap is 62 billion USD, with a wide range of EV products.
Ford is attempting to capitalize on this megatrend like Tesla and China already have with TSLA’s current market cap of 879 billion USD.
Ford’s share price year to date is down -29.12% and at 15.44 above seems to be a rock-solid price for playing this EV megatrend.
To learn more about identifying trends, such as the electrification of automobiles using our propriety MarketGauge indicators, reach out via chat, phone, or email, or book a call with Rob Quinn, our Chief Strategy Consultant, by clicking here.
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Mish in the Media
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S&P 500 (SPY) 390 now support with 400 resistance
Russell 2000 (IWM) Held 177 and 185 next big resistance
Dow (DIA) 310 support and 320 resistance
Nasdaq (QQQ) 297 support to hold with 303 next resistance
KRE (Regional Banks) 60-63 range to break
SMH (Semiconductors) Still weakest-needs to hold 204 and clear 217
IYT (Transportation) IYT did its job crossing the 50-DMA now needs to hold it
IBB (Biotechnology) 125 resistance 119 support
XRT (Retail) Clutch hold of 62. Thru 65.00 better


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#Bookstagram: Why finding a new read has never been easier
In today's show we look at the literary phenomenon "bookstagram". It's a magical land on social media where bookworms such as the actress Reese Witherspoon and presenter Oprah Winfrey post their latest novel recommendations.
We also get FRANCE 24’s book critic Catherine Khédir-Clifford's top book picks for La rentrée littéraire. Every year, from mid-August until the end of October, French publishers go book crazy as hundreds of new books are released. For the rentrée this year, 524 novels will be published, 336 of them by French authors.
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Yum! Brands Inc.’s CEO Greg Creed has a busy year ahead of him.
The industry is watching with interest as Louisville, Ky.-based Yum moves to spin off its China division by the end of 2016, in an attempt to turnaround the growing region.
“We believe this transaction is a classic example of ‘one plus one equaling more than two’ as it will enable each company to realize its full potential and achieve greater value on a standalone basis,” Creed said in a statement in December.
This month marks Creed’s first anniversary as CEO of the parent company to KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, but he offers 20 years of experience working at Yum.
As the former CEO of Yum’s Taco Bell Corp., Creed continues to have great influence on the growing Taco Bell brand. Same-store increased 4 percent in the third quarter ending Sept. 5, and margins were over 21 percent. Creed said the chain’s breakfast offerings have been well received.
“The brand is doing the right things in all the right places,” Creed said in the quarter’s earnings call.
Taco Bell rolled out a new website in the fall where customers can order and pay ahead online. Previously customers could only order ahead on the chain’s mobile app that launched in 2014.
“Taco Bell’s goal is to be America’s favorite Millennial brand, and we are making substantial strides to deliver on that aspiration,” Creed said in a conference call with analysts in July.
Taco Bell’s 200-unit delivery partnership pilot with DoorDash, for example, is aimed at this demographic. And the quick-service chain entered into urban markets with its first Taco Bell Cantina stores in San Francisco and Chicago that serve alcohol.
The brand also launched a game-focused loyalty program targeted at younger customers.
“Taco Bell is going from strength to strength. KFC continues to build on its momentum and Pizza Hut is in turnaround mode,” Creed said.
Creed said KFC’s sales are still a small part of the global company, but that it had 3 percent same-store sales growth in the third quarter.
As part of the turnaround for the struggling Pizza Hut brand, the chain is going after the value-centric consumer with several promotions, including a new $5 Flavor Menu. For $5, customers can pick two items from a menu with pizza, chicken wings, cookies, brownies, pasta, breadsticks and beverages.
“Value is always important in the food category,” Jeff Fox, chief brand and concept officer for Pizza Hut told NRN last month. “And Pizza Hut has always been known for having great-tasting food, but we want to make sure we are known also for having great value.”
Helming one of the largest restaurant companies in the world, Creed is sure to leave a large imprint on the restaurant industry in 2016.


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Updated, 1:53 p.m. |
Hyundai will recall 259,000 cars in two separate actions, the automaker has informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The first action covers about 215,000 Sonatas from the 2006-10 model years and 24,000 Azeras from 2006-11, in which a rear cross member may rust, possibly causing handling problems. In a separate action, Hyundai will recall about 20,000 front-wheel-drive 2013 Santa Fe Sports equipped with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine because a front axle shaft might break.
Hyundai is not aware of any accidents or injuries for either recall, Jim Trainor, a spokesman, wrote in an e-mail.
The Sonata and Azera models are being recalled only in states that rely heavily on road salt during the winter, including Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.
Commonly referred to as a geographic recall, some safety advocates like the Center for Auto Safety have long complained that such limited recalls save an automaker money, but could miss vehicles that need repairs. Automakers and N.H.T.S.A., which approves the strategy, have defended geographic recalls as being a sensible, effective and safe way to handle some recalls.
The recall of the 2013 Santa Fe Sport models is necessary because “a portion of the right, front axle shaft may have been improperly manufactured,” according to Hyundai. If it fractures, there would be a loss of power.
In addition to Hyundai’s recalls, its subsidiary, Kia, also announced that it will issue a recall of about 9,300 2014 Kia Sorento models (also with front-wheel-drive with 4-cylinder engines) for the same problem Hyundai is having with the Santa Fe – the Sorento is a sibling of the Santa Fe.
Hyundai’s decision to issue a recall comes a little more than a month after N.H.T.S.A. began an investigation in July prompted by complaints from two owners. The automaker said both recalls were voluntary. However, once a manufacturer is aware of a safety problem it must – within five business days – inform the safety agency of its plan for a recall or face a civil fine.


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At least 40 million smartphone users in India could jump on the 5G bandwagon in the first year, according to a new report from Ericsson ConsumerLab. The report also states that Indian users could be willing to pay as much as 50 per cent more for 5G plans, provided they are bundled with new services.
Jasmeet Singh Sethi, who heads the Ericsson ConsumerLab and is based in Stockholm, says 22 per cent of smartphone users in urban India already own a 5G-ready smartphone, mostly Android devices from big brands and even some domestic brands. “So there is a great foundation for the 5G launch available in India… but, of course, we need to show them a reason to go ahead and upgrade,” he tells indianexpress.com, adding that this is where better marketing, education and awareness is going to be the key in India.
Interestingly, the Ericsson study shows that India has the biggest jump in intention to upgrade to 5G with 67 per cent of users expressing the desire to take up 5G once it is available, an increase of 14 percentage points over 2019. This despite the uncertainty clouding the 5G rollout in India. The Indian government finally gave the go-ahead for 5G trails earlier this month.
Sethi says India already has around 38 million 5G smartphone users based on shipments and this number could go up to 40 million if we consider the demographics and income patterns. But he says this transition won’t be as easy as it sounds. “There is a lot of work that needs to be done to reach that 40 million,” he warns, adding that for instance “once you improve the perception of 5G availability, the adoption might increase by five times”.
“So if consumers start believing they have coverage where they work and live, they are much more likely to kind of take up a 5G plan. So one part is the perception of availability, which is how much time they are going to be on the 5G network,” he explains, adding that it won’t help if this percentage Is 10 per cent or so.
The other part, he says, is marketing.” Yes, there is a lot of appetite for speed and better performance, but we have also seen that there is a lot of appetite for new services,” he says, underlining the need to offer more bundled services. The report shows that 5G-ready smartphone users in India already spend more time on enhanced video and multiplayer mobile gaming and these users are expecting to spend upwards of 7.5 hours a week on XR (extended reality) apps by 2025. But then the availability of these services will be crucial in ensuring the adoption of 5G services.
“For example, in the US, South Korea, UK and other European markets, we see that 5G early adopters are very happy with speeds but they are extremely dissatisfied with the bundling of innovative services. At the end of the day, all that you are getting is better speeds and maybe a bigger data plan,” he adds.
Sethi says one of the big reasons for the fast adoption of 5G in India will be the present state of fixed broadband infrastructure in the country. He says Indians are looking at mobile broadband as they are “struggling with DSL, cable and WiFi not able to keep up with our home broadband needs, whether that’s schooling, working, entertainment or gaming”. “5G is going to fill that gap”.


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Yahoo to Wind Down Maven Video Publishing Service
[Update 12:30 a.m. 6/30/09: We’ve revised this story after speaking with a Yahoo official.]
A report Monday in TechCrunch asserting that Yahoo is killing off its Cambridge, MA-based video hosting company Maven Networks just 16 months after acquiring it for $160 million is inaccurate in some respects, but accurate in others, according to the company.
A spokesman at the troubled Internet portal company, reached by phone late Monday, confirmed—as TechCrunch reported—that the company plans to shut down the service introduced by Maven under which it publishes online videos for third parties such as Fox News. That decision is part of a reprioritization effort that “will allow us to focus our resources on the continued improvement of our core video offerings,” the company said in a statement that the spokesman shared with Xconomy by e-mail.
However, the technologies Yahoo acquired when it purchased Maven aren’t going away—in fact, they’re integral to the company’s new video player and its video ad server technology. And contrary to the TechCrunch report, the Maven division has not been singled out for mass layoffs. While members of Yahoo’s video divisions have been among those affected by several waves of staff reductions at Yahoo—including a recent 5 percent across-the-board layoff—talent from Maven continues to lead video initiatives across the company.
The TechCrunch report, citing unnamed tipsters, said that “Yahoo has effectively decided to shelve Maven, firing most of its employees in a move packaged as a restructuring.” Xconomy relayed that report—which now appears to have been unjustified—while attempting to contact Yahoo for confirmation and clarification.
While the report of mass layoffs may have been wrong, however, recent months have brought many signs of downsizing and attrition across Yahoo’s video operations, including Maven. Former CEO Hilmi Ozguc, who founded Maven in 2002, left Yahoo last September, six months after the acquisition. Internet video news site NewTeeVee reported in early May that “many members of the [Yahoo Video] team have quit or been laid off amidst a lack of strategic direction,” and reported later that month that the head of company’s video platform division was leaving. The site even asserted that Yahoo planned to phase out Maven altogether—not an outlandish prediction, given that other Yahoo video services Yahoo Live, a live video streaming service, and JumpCut, an online video editing tool, have already been shut down.
But while Yahoo has been scaling back its investment in some areas of online video, it says it has been increasing them in others. Video initiatives “remain a priority for Yahoo, both for its consumer and advertising experiences,” the company says.
The full statement we received from Yahoo is as follows:
Since acquiring Maven Networks in 2008, Maven has played an important role in our video strategy, providing essential talent and core technology that has helped Yahoo! to enhance its consumer and advertising offerings. Maven technology is used in the Yahoo video player, as well as in the Yahoo Video Advertising Platform that is being used to serve both on- and off- network advertising for Yahoo! partners.
While video initiatives remain a priority for Yahoo!, both for its consumer and advertising experiences, we are increasing investment in some areas while scaling back in others. After careful consideration, Yahoo! is planning to wind down its Maven Networks customer base. This decision will allow us to focus our resources on the continued improvement of our core video offerings, such as enhancing the consumer video experience on Yahoo!.
Since Q4 2008, we have closed or announced our intention to close, nearly twenty Yahoo! services– such as Yahoo! 360, GeoCities, My Web and Yahoo! Briefcase. We continue to evaluate our portfolio of products and services on a regular basis, and plan to share details of further changes with people who use our products in the months ahead.
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